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How Much Does Urgent Care Cost in 2026?

Urgent care visits cost $100–$600 without insurance and $25–$75 with insurance. That’s roughly one-fifth the cost of an ER visit for many of the same conditions. Here’s what to expect.

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Updated February 2026

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Urgent Care Cost by Visit Type

The cost of an urgent care visit depends on what you’re being treated for. Simple visits are much cheaper than those requiring imaging or procedures.

Visit TypeExamplesSelf-Pay Cost
Basic visitSore throat, rash, earache, pink eye, UTI symptoms$100 – $200
Moderate visitSprain, minor allergic reaction, persistent cough, flu with dehydration$150 – $300
Visit + imagingPossible fracture, foreign body, persistent pain requiring X-ray$200 – $450
Visit + procedureStitches, abscess drainage, splinting, IV fluids$300 – $600

Sources: Based on UCA (Urgent Care Association) benchmarking data, CMS fee schedules, and national self-pay pricing databases for 2026.

What’s Included vs Extra Charges

Typically Included in Visit Fee

  • • Physician or PA/NP evaluation
  • • Basic physical examination
  • • Simple rapid tests (strep, flu, COVID)
  • • Written prescriptions
  • • Discharge instructions
  • • Follow-up recommendations

Billed Separately (Extra)

  • • X-rays: $50–$200 per view
  • • Lab work (blood, urine culture): $25–$150
  • • Stitches/wound care: $100–$300
  • • Splints or casts: $75–$250
  • • IV fluids/medications: $100–$300
  • • EKG: $50–$150

Urgent Care: With vs Without Insurance

Without Insurance

  • • Basic visit: $100–$200
  • • Moderate visit: $150–$300
  • • Visit + procedure: $300–$600
  • • Many centers offer self-pay discounts
  • • Some post cash pricing upfront

With Insurance

  • • Copay: $25–$75 (varies by plan)
  • • Some plans: same copay as PCP ($20–$40)
  • • Deductible may apply to add-on services
  • • In-network vs out-of-network matters
  • • Always check if center is in-network first

Tip: Some urgent care centers are hospital-owned and bill facility fees similar to an ER. Before visiting, ask: “Is this a freestanding urgent care or hospital-based?” Freestanding centers are typically 40–60% cheaper.

ER vs Urgent Care — When to Choose Which

FactorEmergency RoomUrgent Care
Cost (no insurance)$800 – $3,000+$100 – $600
Cost (with insurance)$150 – $700$25 – $75
Wait time2 – 6 hours15 – 45 minutes
Hours24/7Typically 8am – 8pm
Best forChest pain, stroke, major trauma, severe bleeding, difficulty breathingSprains, cuts, infections, fevers, rashes, minor injuries

Always go to the ER for:

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms (FAST test), severe bleeding that won’t stop, head injuries with loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or any condition you believe is life-threatening.

Not sure which to choose? Our free symptom checker recommends the right care setting. See our full ER visit cost guide for detailed ER pricing.

How to Save on Urgent Care Costs

Before Your Visit

  • • Verify the center is in-network with your insurance
  • • Choose freestanding over hospital-owned centers
  • • Ask about self-pay pricing upfront
  • • Consider telehealth ($50–$100) for simple issues
  • • Check for cash-pay clinics in your area

After Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an urgent care visit cost without insurance?
An urgent care visit without insurance typically costs $100–$600. A basic visit for a simple issue like a sore throat or rash averages $100–$200. Visits requiring X-rays, lab work, or procedures like stitches can reach $300–$600. Many centers post self-pay pricing and offer discounts for cash payment.
How much does urgent care cost with insurance?
With insurance, an urgent care visit typically costs $25–$75 as a copay. Some plans treat it the same as a PCP visit ($20–$40), while others have a separate higher copay. Additional services like X-rays or labs may be subject to your deductible and coinsurance.
Is urgent care cheaper than the ER?
Yes, significantly. An urgent care visit averages $100–$600 without insurance vs $800–$3,000+ for an ER visit. With insurance, urgent care copays are typically $25–$75 vs $150–$500 for the ER. For non-life-threatening issues, urgent care saves you hundreds to thousands.
What does urgent care charge for X-rays?
X-rays at urgent care typically cost $50–$200 per view for self-pay patients. This is significantly less than hospital-based X-rays ($200–$500+). Many urgent care centers have on-site X-ray and can produce results within minutes.
When should I go to urgent care instead of the ER?
Choose urgent care for non-life-threatening issues: sprains, minor cuts needing stitches, infections, fevers, rashes, earaches, UTIs, and mild asthma flare-ups. Go to the ER for chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, major trauma, or any potentially life-threatening condition. Use our symptom checker for personalized guidance.

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Last updated: February 25, 2026 • This is educational content only, not medical or financial advice. Cost estimates are national averages and may vary.